When he was Ontario’s Public Safety Minister, Bob Runciman sparked outrage for making comments directed towards the black community in Toronto:
“People who don’t accept any degree of responsibility for trying to solve problems and challenges and misunderstandings.” (Global National, August 6, 2003)
“Runciman incensed the black community and gave ammunition to his political opponents last week when he said some people ‘have a vested interest’ in continued animosity between the police and minority groups. ‘I think some people make a living off this,’ he said. ‘They certainly don’t seem to be focused on finding solutions.’” (Hamilton Spectator, August 12, 2003)
Runciman was forced to resign as Ontario Solicitor-General after he violated the Young Offenders Act:
“A big resignation in the Ontario government. Justice Minister Bob Runciman is out. The price for a blunder in his government’s Speech from the Throne last week. It identified the mother of a young offender, essentially identifying the offender. That is against the law. Runciman is stepping down while the RCMP investigates.” (CBC The National, April 27, 1998)
Runciman apologized after making offensive remarks about Aboriginals:
“A veteran Progressive Conservative MPP has apologized for making what critics call an ‘offensive’ comment when he said the $55 million budget of Ontario’s new aboriginal affairs ministry is ‘a lot of smoke signals and mirrors.’” (Toronto Star, March 27, 2008)
Runciman was criticized for sexist comments about Belinda Stronach:
“Veteran Conservative MPP Bob Runciman described the billionaire former auto-parts executive as ‘something of a dipstick, an attractive one, but still a dipstick.’” (Canwest, May 18, 2005)
Runciman made homophobic comments in the Ontario Legislature:
“Homosexuality is essentially antifamily. It encourages promiscuous sexuality, a self-centred morality and socially irresponsible behaviour that exacts huge costs from society. The law has every right to discourage people from entering into paths that are demonstratively destructive, physically and psychologically, first to the homosexuals and to society itself.” (Ontario Hansard, November 26, 1986)
